Lyttelton Harbour Dry Dock
Project Overview:
Project Name: Lyttelton Harbour Dry Dock
Project Address: 43 Godley Quay, Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand
Application Area: Exterior Lighting
Number of Casambi Nodes: 21
Key Parties Involved:
Client: Lyttelton Port Company
Electrical Engineer: Pederson Read
Lighting Company: Energy Light
Lighting Manufacturer: EWO
Electrical Installers: Aotea Electric / Connectics
Lighting Controls: Holders Technology New Zealand
Project Background:
The Lyttelton Harbour Dry Dock, established in 1883 and classified as a Category 1 Heritage Item, stands as the oldest of two permanent dry docks in New Zealand. Over its 140+ years, various upgrades were undertaken, including repairs post the Canterbury Earthquakes. However, the exterior lighting system remained outdated, comprising aging sodium vapor, metal halide, and LED lights. This resulted in mixed colour temperatures, poor glare control, spill light, and upward light.
Lighting Design Concept:
The comprehensive lighting design concept focused on a complete overhaul, replacing all existing exterior lighting and poles. The choice of EWO R System GEN 3 R2 & R4 floodlight projectors, featuring a 3000K correlated colour temperature, addressed key technical considerations. This selection aimed to minimize atmospheric scatter, reduce skyglow, protect the dark sky, and support natural circadian rhythms.
Casambi Control System Implementation:
Holders Technology New Zealand implemented a Casambi Bluetooth Low Energy mesh control system for all exterior lighting. The Casambi control module was connected to each fitting via a NEMA socket at the top of each pole. A deliberate design choice placed the Casambi nodes at the top of the pole to avoid potential interference from steel-hulled ships in the Dry Dock.
Wireless control was chosen for its simplicity in installation and commissioning, requiring reduced cabling compared to a hard-wired control system. This decision also provided flexibility for future changes. Each fitting became individually addressable and dimmable, with select fittings allowing left/right control, facilitating complete customization of scenes and lighting in the space.
Results and Benefits:
The lighting upgrade surpassed expectations, providing a uniform, consistent, and focused lighting environment. Positive feedback from dock users and the community highlighted the significant impact on safety and aesthetics. The Casambi system’s wireless control seamlessly integrated with traditional switches and tablet control, offering enhanced user accessibility and flexibility.
Sustainability and Challenges:
Significant consultation was undertaken to understand and address the unique requirements of the Dry Dock. This included discussions with dock users, contractors, and health and safety specialists. A night-time site survey took lux-level measurements, considering the heavy industrial, marine environment, protection of marine and bird life, and the preservation of the natural dark sky within a Category 1 Heritage Facility.
The wireless Casambi control system contributed to sustainability by reducing cabling requirements and allowing for future changes with ease.
Recognition and Awards:
This project received an award of commendation from the IES and a Highly Commended award from the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ). The latter recognized the project’s focus on protecting the night environment and dark sky, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible lighting practices.
Future Engagement:
Based on the success of the design and implementation, Lyttelton Port Company engaged Holders Technology New Zealand directly for ongoing projects. Currently, Holders Technology New Zealand has multiple projects underway with the client, demonstrating the long-term impact of the innovative lighting solution.
In conclusion, the Lyttelton Harbour Dry Dock project not only revitalized the lighting infrastructure but also showcased the power of thoughtful design and advanced control systems in preserving heritage, enhancing user experience, and contributing to sustainable practices.